January Staff Picks: A New Wave of Staff Picks and a Slight Shift in Reality

Welcome back to Staff Picks, where we let the team loose to choose what they would actually buy with their own money. No scripts, no pressure, and occasionally some internal disagreement.

After everything discussed in our 2026 update, it probably won’t surprise you that value, practicality, and real-world use feature heavily this month.

Let’s get into it.

Craig’s Pick

Snowpeak AP900 Tactical Regulated PCP Air Rifle

View the AP900

Yes, we know. This was Craig’s Product of the Year last year. Yes, he’s picked it again.

The difference is that he actually bought one himself for pest control and has since put it through a fairly enthusiastic rat reduction programme. It’s still doing exactly what he needs it to do, and he’s still happy with the purchase.

We’ll try to force him to choose something different next month, but even internally, budget rifles are winning right now.

Karl’s Pick

BuckRail BuckChrony Muzzle Mounted Chronograph / Moderator

View the BuckChrony

Karl’s pick comes from our new BuckRail range. The BuckChrony is for shooters who liked the technology behind the NateChrony but weren’t sold on the external form factor.

This uses the same core system and Nate’s Steady Shot technology, but houses it inside a moderator-style body made using SLS additive manufacturing. It can be expanded with baffles to provide moderator-like performance, while also delivering far more consistent readings than typical consumer, non-lightgate chronographs.

Not technically a silencer, but functionally very close, with a chronograph built in. Clever bit of kit.

Tee’s Pick

UMAREX Walther Reign M2 Package

View the Reign M2 Package

Tee’s pick isn’t surprising. We’ve long championed the Walther Reign M2 as one of the best price-to-performance PCP rifles available. What makes this interesting is the price.

We’ve deliberately positioned this package to show the new UK Umarex supplier just how serious the market is for this rifle. There are discussions about shifting focus to cheaper Chinese-made UX models instead of continuing with what is arguably one of the strongest value rifles available.

If you’re considering a Reign M2, now is the time. Buy it, shoot it, and help prove it belongs in the UK market.

Luke’s Pick

Reximex Lyra S Package

View the Lyra S Package

Yes, another package, and yes, Luke again. He’s been recommending the standard Walnut Lyra for ages, thanks to its build, looks (especially compared to the Lyra K), and performance. His only gripe was the lack of a cheaper synthetic option. Reximex listened.

The Lyra S brings a synthetic stock with an adjustable butt pad and a lower price point. No, they still haven’t fixed the lower Picatinny rail situation, and yes, you’ll probably want to modify that yourself. At this price, it’s an easy thing to forgive.

Over to You

That’s January wrapped up and 2026 officially underway. We’re aiming to bring you 11 more Staff Picks this year, assuming nothing catches fire or Craig gets hold of the forklift again.

What do you think of the picks, and what should we be looking at next? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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Think we missed something? Let us know in the comments below.

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